How common are allergies in dogs?
Allergies are very common in dogs. They can be allergic to the same things that we can, so stuff in their food as well as the environment.
Dr. Hilary Coulombe
Glen Oak Dog & Cat Hospital
What are some common dog allergies?
Common allergies in food would be chicken. Common environmental allergies would be grass; they can be allergic to cats and even people.
How do allergies impact the health and well-being of my dog?
Sometimes you'll see scratching, itching, redness of the skin, diarrhea, hives, issues with anal glands, ear infections, and even facial swelling.
What are some signs or symptoms of allergies in dogs?
Chronic ear infections, licking their rear end, hives, red skin, sneezing, smelly skin, or being really itchy when you pet them are all signs of allergies in dogs.
Can I diagnose my dog allergies at home?
You can certainly try to diagnose some food allergies at home. If you're suspicious, you can take your dog off of chicken and put them on a new protein. That's something you can do at home.
How will a veterinarian diagnose allergies on my dog?
A veterinarian may perform allergy testing and conduct a thorough physical exam to determine if your dog is dealing with allergies.
How are dog allergies treated using anti-inflammatory therapy?
We have a couple of different options. We may use steroids to decrease inflammation. We also have other medications that work with some of the body's natural pathways like Apoquel or Cytopoint. We will be able to recommend the best option for your dog.
How is shampoo therapy used for dog allergies?
Shampoo is great because it is antibacterial and helps build up the skin barrier. When dogs have allergies, their skin barrier starts to break down. By building that barrier up, we can help them become more resistant to these allergies.
What is hyposensitization or desensitization therapy for dog allergies?
This is something we do after allergy testing. If you've ever heard of people getting allergy shots, that's exactly what desensitization therapy is. It involves exposing the body to a little bit of the allergen to get them used to it. This can be done via injection or oral drops under the tongue.
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